BILL CALLEN of Richmond is an inspiration. His letter (HAS, Oct 4) was a frank and matter-offact account of his days in the RAF, sleeping on cobbles, of a four-year tour overseas, and of a Christmas morning bombed at sea by the Germans.

All described as if it were normal and everyday.

Mr Callen, you have inspired me to write, and you are the reason this country has a proud history. Not the governments nor the royalty but people like you that think it normal to sacrifice and risk so much. A man we all should look up to.

Daz Crame, Middleton St George.